You may not instinctively associate coffee and banana as two flavors that would harmonize, but they're surprisingly delicious together - particularly in this shake.

This is one of my favorite pre-workout breakfast shakes. The combination of low GI carbohydrate from the banana, lean protein from the whey, probiotic goodness from the yakult, caffeine from the coffee, and loads of vitamins and minerals from the almond milk, all combine to make this shake a really great way to kick start your day.

Each serve contains around 256 calories and 26 grams protein. It's perfect as a meal replacement, and keeps you feeling energetic and satisfied until lunchtime.

Ideally, you'd make the coffee the night before so you can freeze it in an ice cube tray. If this doesn't happen, don't worry, just chill the coffee with ice cubes before blending it.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste. I find the banana and yakult provide enough sweetness, but you could always add a tablespoon of honey if you wanted a touch more. If it's too thick, add a touch more almond milk or water.

Frozen coffee ice cubes.

Ingredients

Serves 2

2 serves of coffee

2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder. Look for a product that gives you around 25 grams of protein for 120 calories. I like this one.

1 large banana, sliced

2 x 65ml tubs yakult

1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk

Method

Make 2 serves of black coffee to the strength of your liking. I think espresso or French press coffee works best. Then pour the coffee in an ice cube tray and freeze it overnight. Note: if you don't do this step the night before, just make the coffee a little bit stronger, and add some ice cubes to chill it before blending.